Ricoh WG-30W vs Sony NEX-5

On this page, we will be analyzing the Ricoh WG-30W and Sony NEX-5, former is a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Ricoh and Sony. The sensor resolution of the WG-30W (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively close but the WG-30W (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

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The WG-30W was manufactured 4 years after the NEX-5 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Ricoh WG-30W being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick summation of how the WG-30W scores versus the NEX-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Ricoh WG-30W & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are viewable at Ricoh WG-30W Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Ricoh WG-30W provides exterior dimensions of 123mm x 62mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 194 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Take a look at the Ricoh WG-30W and Sony NEX-5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the WG-30W vs the NEX-5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the WG-30W and NEX-5 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizes only by looking through specs. The picture here will provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-30W and NEX-5.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The WG-30W due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Ricoh WG-30W will render extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The newer WG-30W will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.